Machine for fettling floor and wall tile



May 5, 1925.

M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL 'MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE FiledApril 16, 1923- 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 5, 192a 1,536,411

M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL.

MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE Filed Apri1 16. 1923 sSheets-She t 2 May 5, 1925.

M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE FiledApril 16 1923 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 May 1925.

. 1 1,536,411 M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL I MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR ANDWALL TILE 8 Sheets-Shet 4 Filed April 16, 1925 May 5, 1925. 1,536,411

M. A. SCHWEEKER ET AL MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE FiledApril 16, 1923 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 5, 1925. i

M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL. TILE Filed'April 16, 1923 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 May 5, 1925.

M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL MACHINE FOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE 8Sheets-Sheet 7 May 5, 1925. 1,536,411 1 M. A. SCHWEIKER ET AL MACHINEFOR FETTLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE Filed April 3 a Sheet's-Shei a PatentedMay 5, 1925,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MALCOLM A. SCI-IWEEKER, OF NEW YDR K, N. Y., AND JAMES R. WESTBROOK, 0FZANESVILLE, OHIO.

MACHINE FOR FEETLING FLOOR AND WALL TILE.

Application filed April 16, 1923.

1 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, MALCOLM A. Sorrwnmrn and JAMES R. i Vns'rnnooK,citi- Zens of the United States, residing, respectively, at New York,county of New York, State of New York, and Zanesville, in the county ofMuskingum and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Machines tor Fettling Floor and Wall Tile, of which thefollowing is a specification,

This invention'relates to a machine for :tettling floor and wall tile.

Fettling is the operation of beveling. or chamfering the edges of afloor. or wall tile after the latter comes from the tile press, thepurpose being to remove the finlike projections from the tile and tosuitably chamier or bevel the edges of the upper face of the tile.

In tile presses there is a certain clearance between the plunger and thedie casing and as the pulverized clay which is used for the productionof the tile contains ap proximately 8% to 12% moisture, the clearanceresults in the formation of rough edges or fin-like projections. Theseare tettled by handlabor, the workers usually being girls or women whosand paper the projections from the tile and form the chainfer on theupper edges thereof. Hand fettling results in lack oi uniformity of theedges of the tile and the size of the ehamter, besides which there is atendency to carelessly brush the tile and to allow minute particles oi":clay to remain upon it. Hand fettling also adds considerably to theexpense 0t production.

Much tile is ruined by workers before they become proficient :lettlersand the pro ficieut fettlers often produce imperfectly tettled tile.

The fettling operation is considered to be necessary for the purpose ofgiving the tile a better appearance when it is completed and, also, thechamfer stops the glaze :lfrom running over the edge of the tile andtorming beads, roughnesi'es, or small lumps, it the tile is to besubsequently glazed. lloughnesses, beads, or small lumps of glazeinconvenience the tile-setter in the rapid setting of tile and detractfrom the appearance of the tile.

ll brushing is incorrectly carried on and loose particles of clayallowed to remain Serial No. 632,590.

adhering to the tile, these particles form exerescences on the finishedtile after the latter has been burned, and the tile becomes of inferiorquality.

The foregoing considerations indicate the necessity for a machine whichwill auto matically, accurately, and efficiently fettle floor and walltile and to that end we have invented the present machine.

Our object is to provide a machine embodying novel means, elements, andcombination of means and elements to which may be ted from the tilepress, newly formed tile and which will first brush the bottom of thetile to clear it of any adhering clay particles; then, while the tile isguided and prevented from turning, fettle two of its edges; next, turnthetileand "fettle the remaining two edges and, finally, brush the topof the tile and remove the brushin-gs and deliver the completelv:tettled tile or dispose it so that it may be taken from the machine.

Gar machine, as described hereinafter and shown in the drawings, isconstructed and operates for the purpose of fettling two tiles at a timeas they are delivered from a tile press which forms two tilessimultaneously. ll e wish it understood, however, that some tile pressesmake only one tile at time, while others make as many as four but in thetile industry as more tile presses forming two tiles at a time are usedthan thos-le fori'ning a lesser or greater number, we have described andillustrated our machine for the treati'nent of tiles delivered in pairs,in succession, to the machine, it being understood that the invention isnot limited to the duplex construction we have disclosed and that weclaim the means, elements, and combinations entering into the fettlingof a tile, or any multiple thereof.

Tile presses in common use, push the tiles, in succession, from theforming means and this results in a tendency, at times, for the tile toturn crosswise, o have, therefore, provided novel means for guiding thetile so that it will advance on the machine with its end foremost andwill be prevented from turning or getting out of alinement while itslongest edges are being fettled. Means is provided for preventingchipping of the taco of the tile should it enter the machine out ofalinement and so that any chipping which might result from impact willoccur at the back or bottom of the tile and thus result in no damage tothe commercial value of the tile.

The means for keeping the tile in proper alinement while itslongitudinal edges are being fettled insures evenness and accuracy inthe fettling operation.

After the tile has been fettled on its longitudinal edges, it encountersnovel means or abutments for turning it to an angle of 90.

Guiding and alining means then carry the turned tile past other novelfettling devices in such manner that the transverse or end edges of thetile are accurately fettled.

Finally, the upper face of the tile is brushed to remove the cuttings orfettlings and the tile is then ready to be placed on the drying racksprior to burning in a kiln.

Vi e have devised novel fettling tools possessing a spring action sothat they automatically adjust themselves to varying thicknesses of tileor to tiles of varying degrees of hardness. This adaptability insuresuniformity of fettling under widely varying conditions. Furthern'iore,the fettling tools are constructed to resist the very consider able wearoffered by the abrasive nature of clay bodies.

Our machine also embodies various other novel features, elements,combinations and functions appearing more fully hereinafter.

Vi e are aware that our machine may be modified in certain particularswithout departing from the essential principles thereof and we do notrestrict the invention to the specific embodiments hereinafter describedand shown .in the drawings, except as may specifically recited in theclaims.

Certain subject matter herein described and which is shown in thedrawings relating to the fettling tools, their mountings, and certaincombinations therewith, are set forth and claimed in a divisionalapplication 727,335.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view, showing one part of the machine.

Fig. 1 is a similar view of the remaining part thereof and to be read inconnection with Figure 1.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of one part of the machine.

Fig. 2" is a similar view of the remaining part thereof and to be readin connection with Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of so much of the machine as is shownin Fig. 1, taken on the line 33 thereof.

Fig. 4 is an elevation looking toward the left hand end of Figs. 1 and2.

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of the left hand end of the machine,viewed from above.

Fig. 6 is a similar view showing the central portion of the machine.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the brushes at the left hand end of themachine and the mounting for said brushes.

Fig. 8 is a detail plan view of the tileturning abutment and the pulleysor sheaves for the guide belt.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation thereof.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation thereof.

Fig. 11 is a detail perspective, broken away, of the operative end ofone form of a fettling, scraping, or cutting tool which may be used.

Fig. 12 is a detail side elevation, partly broken away, of another formthereof, this being the form shown herein in connection with themachine.

Fig. 18 is an end elevation of the tool of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14: is a detail perspective of the roller at the left hand end ofthe machine.

Fig. 15 is a similar view of one of the bridges, supports, or carriersfor the fettling, cutting, or scraping tools; and

Fig. 16 is a similar view of a part of the cross piece or support forthe guides for the tile guide-belts.

Tile presses such as used in the art, push the tile from the press boxesor molds and we have, therefore, arranged the machine to directlyreceive the tiles from the press. The tiles enter the machine at theleft hand end of the latter, Figs. 1, 2, 3, on opposite sides of aparting strip or divider 1 which is tapered both lengthwise andvertically, its base being wider than its top. The purpose of thisparting strip is to guide the tiles and keep them in position to advancelongitudinally of themselves as they enter the machine as the tilessometime have a tendency to turn crosswise, or partially so, as they arepushed from the press. Therefore, the parting strip or divider 1preferably extends beyond. the left hand end of the machine so as toproperly serve its purpose, and it continues longitudinally of themachine to the general region where the tile, after its longitudinaledges have been fettled, is to be turned so that its transverse edgesmay be fettled, as will appear hereinafter.

The purpose of beveling at least a portion of the length of the partingstrip from its outermost end, as shown at 2, Figs. 4 and 5, is to formthe bottom of the parting strip 1 wider than the top thereof so that ifthe tile is turned and is pushed hard against the parting strip, onlythe bottom or back of the tile will strike the parting strip and if anychipping takes place, due to this contact, it will occur on the back ofthe tile, instead of the top or face thereof and will not commerciallydamage the tile, as would be the case were the top or face chipped.

brushes may be set precisely It is necessary to remove from the bottomof the tile any adhering particles and to that end we provide stationarybrushes which may be constructed and mounted as shown, moreparticularly, in Figs. 1, 3, 4:, 5 and 7. These brushes 3 are of fiberand flat, being adjustably mounted by means of plates 1- which carrythem, and adjustable screw and slot connections 5 to the supportingframe (3. The frame 6 is pivoted to the main frame 7 of the machine at8, said f *ame being held atthe desired elevation to properly positionthe brushes 3 in relation to the tile by screw hangers 9 supported frombrackets 10. This support provides for a rough adjustment of thebrushes, whereas the screw and slotconnections 5 provide for a fineadjustment and thus the so that they will properly brush the bottoms ofthe tiles; furthermore, as the brushes wear, they may be adjusted bythis arrangement.

As previously stated, the present machine is shown in duplex form,adapted to handle two tiles at a time because most tile presses incommon use produce two tiles simultaneously. It will be understood,however, that the machine may be made so as to treat only one tile at atime or any number of tiles.

The tiles pushed from the press onto our machine, are delivered ontoendless belts. Without limiting the invention to dimensions, we havefound that, according to present sizes of tiles known to the industry,the belts shouldbe about eight inches in width. The speed ofapproximately forty feet per minute for these belts has been found to bepractical but the speed .may be varied to suit conditions. Thebeltswhich convey the tiles in two streams through the machine are shownat 11, these belts, at their left hand ends running over a roller 12,lligs. 2, 3, 141, and at their right hand ends over a roller 13. Theroller 12. is provided with an integral, enlarged, sheave-like part 14:intermediate its ends (Figs. 3, 4:, 5, 14) for a purpose shortly to bedescribed. While the belts 11 are independent, they travel at the samespeed.

The belts run around driving drums or pulleys 15 secured to a shaft 16mounted in suitable hearings on frame 7. The shaft 16 carries a pinion18 fixed to a shaft 19 that carries a sprocket wheel 20.

The sprocket wheel 20 is driven by sprocket chain 21 from sprocketpinion 22 carried by shaft 23, said shaft also carrying sprocket wheel241 which is driven by sprocket chain 25 from sprocket pinion 26 carriedby counter-shaft 27. The countershaft 27 is driven by a belt 28 from anysuitable source of power such, for instance,

as an electric motor 29 carried by frame 7.

gear 17 which is driven by a.

The belts11 pass around suitable idler rolls 20, 21, 32, Figs. 2, 2*,and 3. Any suitable means may be employed for keeping the belts 11 atthe desired degree of tension. For instance, the rollers 31 may becarried by adjustable brackets which are secured, where adjusted, bytighteners 33.

It is of great importance that the tiles be kept in perfect alinement,that is, travel along a predetermined path, while being fettled. To thatend we have provided novel. means for causing the tile to travel in astraight path while its longitudinal edges are fettled and, afterthetile has been turned crosswise of itself, to travel in a straight pathwhile its transverse edges are undergoing fettling. The necessity forthis action arises from the fact that if the tile turns or gets out ofalinement, irregular fettling will result and the tile will be damaged.The means for guiding the tiles so that they will travel in straightpaths while being fettled comprises belts of small size and which arepreferably round in cross sectional shape, these belts being arranged toengage the sides or edges of the tiles with a certain degree of tension.This tension is conveniently effected by the use of rollers or sheaveswhich bear on the belts.

As illustrated, the belts 34: are round or cylindrical and are endless.Like the belts 11, these belts 34 pass around the rollers 12, 30, drums15, and rollers 31. The innermost belts 34 also pass around the rollers13 and 32, as shown in Figs. 1 and2 The outermost belts 34L passdownwardly over rollers 35, Figs. 1, 2*, thence around rollers 36 andback to rollers 31, drum 15, and rollers 30.

To hold the innermost alinement belts as at the proper height and tosuitably operate them alongside the parting strip 1, they pass aroundthe integral sheave or pul ley 14, Figs. 4 and 14, whereas the outermost alinement belts 34 pass aroundthe outsides of the belts 1.1 andthen, as shown in Figs. 3 and 16, they pass through adjustable guideeyes 37 adjustably carried by cross pieces 38 secured to the frame 7.The guide eyes 37 may be adjusted trans versely of the machine to affordthe requisite spacing between the belts 34 and they may also be adjustedvertically to provide any desired tension on the left hand stretches ofthe alinement belts 34.

For the purpose of holding the stretches of the alinement belts 34 withany desired tension against the sides of the tile whose longitudinaledges are being fettled, examples of which are represented at T, Figs. 5and 6, brackets 39 are secured to the frame 7 and have adjustablesheaves 4 0 which bear on the stretches of the alinement belts 3 1 atproper points. At the entry end of the machine, as shown in Figs. 1 and5, for instance, the alinement belts 34 diverge so that if the tile isreceived in other than alined position, it is gradually brought toproper alinement. The adjustability and position of the guides 3'?enable the outer alinement belts 34 to be positioned for this purpose asmay be desired.

Fettling of the longitudinal edges of the tiles T is accomplished in themanner shown most clearly in Fig. 5. Bridges 41, Figs. 1, 3, 5, 15,which are secured to the sides of the frame at 42 and overlie the belts11 and 34, carry the fettling tools. The ends of the bridges 41 areprovided with slots 43, Fig. 15, to receive the fastening screws 42, bywhich any desired adjustment of the bridges 41 may be obtained toproperly position the general extent of the fettling devices. Thefettling devices or tools have shanks 44 of springy material which areconnected to the bridge 41 by adjustable screw fastenings 45 which arepreferably bolts with wing nuts, the shanks of the bolts passing throughslots 46 in the bridge 41. This mounting provides for bodily transverseadjustment of the fettling tools and, also, for swinging them pivotallywhere the fastenings 45 pass through them.

For the purpose of swinging the shanks 44, they are connected to thesides of the frame by rods 47 which have screw-threaded ends carryingwing nuts 48. Thus, after bodily adjustment of a given shank 44, it maybe swung on its pivot and set precisely as desired to accomplish thefettling operation and, thereafter, any further adjustment may be hadaccording to conditions to be met.

The shanks 44 are preferably formed of brass for the reason that theymay be easily bent to the peculiar shape illustrated in Fig. 5 andrequire no special tools for bending. It is to be noted that theoperation of fettling is for the purpose of chauifering or beveling theedges of the tile bounding the outer or upper face thereof. In Fig. 5the tiles T are being drawn forward by the belts 11 while held inalinement by the bolts 34 and the fettling tools have begun the fettlingoperation by forming the chamfers or bevels B. As the tiles advance, thebevels or chamfers B are formed until the tile is fettled on both of itslongitudinal edges from end to end. The tile then passes on and isturned through an angle of 90 for fettling its transverse edges, as willpresently appear.

Clay being of an abrasive nature, we have found that spring steel isbest adapted for service as the cutting tool which engages the edge ofthe tile T and forms the bevel or chamfer thereon. In Fig. 11 there isshown one form of shank 44 for holding the fettling or cutting tool 49.In this form the brass shank 44 is slashed and the metal struck up inthe form of a friction loop which frictionally holds the steel tool 49whose ends abut the lip 51 on shank 44.

The form of tool and holding means shown in Fig. 5 and other figures ofthe drawings is that appearing in Figs. 12 and 13. The brass shank 44has the same lip 51 shown in Fig. 11 but in lieu of the friction loop 50there is provided a U-clamp which straddles the shank 44 and the cuttingtool 49 and screws clamp the tool 49 to the shank 44. This form of toolholder securely connects the steel fettling tool 49 against anypossibility of slippage.

In either form of tool holder set forth, as the cutting tool 49 becomesworn, it can be moved forwardly against the lip 51 and a new toolsubstituted whenever desirable or necessary.

Referring to Figs. 1 and G, the alinement belts diverge at 34 a suitabledistance beyond the fettling tools so that, after the longitudinal edgesof the tile have been fettled, the machine may turn the tile through anangle of 90 to enable the transverse edges of the tile to be fettledwhile the tile continues its travel.

The inner alinement belts 34 continue straight ahead but the outer beltshaving divergent stretches at 34, the tile is free to turn. Turning ofthe tile is accomplished by adjustable abutments 54 which are soarranged that they will arrest the inner parts of the forward ends ofthe tiles on the belts 11 and, by reason of the advance of the belts 11,the tiles will be turned through an angle of approximately 90 and willthen be brought into proper alinement in true 90 relationship to theirformer position by the converging stretches 34 of the alinement belts34, such convergence being effected by the arrangement of brackets 39and the rollers 40 and their relation to the rollers 40 beyond themtoward the second set of fettling tools (Figs. 1 and 1).

The construction and arrangement of th, abutments 54 is clear from Figs,1, (3. 8. f), and 10. The abutments slope upwardly on both faces whichare adapted to contact with the advancing tile so that if any chippingof the tile results from the impact, it will occur on the under face orlower edges and will not commercially damage the tile. The abutments areadjustably mounted by slot and screw connections 55 on brackets 56which, in turn, have an adjustable bolt and slot connection 57 with abric ge 41 of the construction previously described. By this arrangementthe abutments may be brought to any desired adustment for propercooperation with the tiles to effect the turning of the latter. In Fig.6 there is shown a tile '1 which, after engaging the abutment 54, hasbeen turned through an angle of from its former position and is being1,5eaa11 brought into engagement with the parallel stretches of thealinement belts 34by the advancing movement of the belt 11 and theconvergence of the stretch 34". Rollers or sheaves 58 carried by thebrackets 56 change the course of the innermost belts 34 and also serveto tension them so that when the tile T has passed the abutment 54 itwill shortly thereafter be properly held at its ends by the alinementbelts and as it is carried foriv'ard'by the belt 11, Will be in properposition to be fettled on its transverse edges.

The shanks 4:4 and tools 49 of the fettling devices for the transverseedges of the tiles, and the means for adjusting said fettling de vicesare identical with those previously described and which are shown indetail in Figs 5,12 and 13.

Fettling of the transverse edges of the tiles having been effected, thecompletely fettled tiles are carried along by the belts l1 and finallyenter a hood or exhauster box 59, Figs. 2 and 4-, which is subject tosuitable suction. Revolubly mounted in bearings 60 is a shaft 61 Whichcarries opposite brushes 62, 68, (Figs. 1 2) arranged to brush off thetops of the tiles all surface clay particles. The action of thisbrushing causes slight agitation of the air and tends'to raise dust,consequently, We prefer to employ the housing or collector 59Wl1l0l1 issubject to any suitable suction for drawing off the dust particles. Thedust particles drawn off may be collected and re-prepared, in suitablemanner, for incorporation in subsequently manufactured tile.

The shaft 61 has a pulley 65 driven by a belt 65 from a pulley 66 oncounter-shaft 27.

The tiles as they emerge from the housing or collector are carried alongby the right hand upper stretches of the belts 11 (Fig. 1) from whichthey may be removed by hand and placed on racks for drying prior tobeing burned in a kiln.

We have found that our machine produces tile which is uniformly finishedand entirely free from bumps, chips, knocks, dust, or otherobjectionable features.

Individual belt ti ghteners 67 are provided for the respective alinementbelts 34, Figs. 2, 3, 4. These belt tighteners comprise rods pivotallymounted on the frame at 68 and having rollers 69 hearing on the belts34;. Adjustable Weights 7O afford the requisite pressure.

It will be understood that the features of adjustment provided for thebrackets and sheaves that bear on the alinement belts 34, and thearrangement and adjustability of the fettling tools, permit the machineto be arranged to fettle tiles of different dimensions.

\Ve claim:

1. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, of means for movingthe tiles, means for fettling the tiles in succession, one be;- hindanother While they are being moved, and alinement belts for engaging theedges or sides of the tiles to hold them in alinement, one behindanother, While they are being fettled:

2. 1 In a machine for fettling floor and Wall tiles, the combinationwith belts for carrying thetiles, of means for fettling the tiles insuccession, one behind another, and alinement belts fol-engaging theedges or sides of the tiles to hold themin alinemenhone behind another,while they are being fettled.

3. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combinationWithmeans for movthe tiles, of means for fettling certain edges of thetiles, means for thereafter turning' the tiles to a different position,other means for fettling the unfettled edges of the tiles when thelatter have been turned, and alinement belts for engaging the edges ofthe tiles to hold them in alinement While undergoing their respectivefettling operations:

a. In a machine for fettling floor and Wall tiles, the combination Witha belt for carrying andadvancing the tiles, of means forfettling'certain edges of the tiles While the latter are being carriedalong by said belt, means for turning the tiles to another positionafter said fettling operation so that other edges thereof may befettled, other fettlingniean's for fettling the unfettled edges of thetiles after the latter have been turned, and alinement belts adapted forengaging the edges of the tiles to hold them in alinement Whileundergoing the respective fettling operations.

In a machine for fettling floor and Wall tiles, the combination with atraveling belt adapted to carry and advance the tiles, of means forfettling certain edges of the tiles, an abutment arranged to be engagedby the tilesafter they have been fettled and to effect shifting orturning of the tiles as the belt advances, other fettling means forfettling other edges of the tiles after they have been turned by theabutment, and alinement belts adapted to engage opposite edges of thetiles for the purpose of holding the tile in alinement While beingfettled and for bringing the tiles into engagement with the abutment sothat they may be turned as aforesaid, one of the alinement belts beingarranged so to be free of the tile to permit it to be turned, saidalinement belts being arranged so that they will realine the tile, andother fettling means adapted for fettling other edges of the tiles afterthey have been turned.

6. In a machine for fettling floor and Wall tiles, the combination withmeans for advancing the tiles, of means for brushing the under faces orbottoms of the tiles, means for fettling the tiles after they have beenbrushed as aforesaid, and means for brushing the tops or upper faces ofthe tiles after they have been fettled.

7 In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination withmeans for advancing the tiles, of means for brushing the underfaces orbottoms of the tiles, means for fettling the tiles after they have beenbrushed as aforesaid, means for brushing the tops or upper faces of thetiles after they have been fettled, and means for taking off thebrushings or particles removed from the tiles by the last named brushingmeans.

8. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination withmeans for advancing the tiles, of means for fettling the tiles, and abrush which is adjustably mounted so that its position may be varied atwill, said brush being arranged to remove particles from the bottoms orlower faces of the tiles before they are received by the means foradvancing the tiles.

9. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination witha carrier belt adapted to receive the tiles to be fettled, of anadjustable frame, and an adjustable brush carried by said frame which isarranged to engage the bottoms or under faces of the tiles before theypass onto the carrier belt aforesaid.

10. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination witha carrier belt for the tiles, and means for fettling the tiles carriedby said belt, of a rotary brush for brushing the upper faces of thefettled tiles, and a collector housing for said brush, from which thebrushings may be removed by suction.

11. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination of apair of car rier belts arranged side by side, a parting strip or dividerdisposed between said belts to cause tiles received from a tile press topass in two streams onto the respective carrier belts, pairs ofalinement belts arranged above the respective carrier belts and adaptedto engage the side edges of the tiles received onto the latter and tohold them in proper alinement as they are carried along by the carrierbelts, and means for fettling tiles on the respective carrier belts whenthus held by the respective pairs of alinement belts.

12. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination witha carrier belt adapted to advance the tiles, of a. parting strip havingan inclined or sloping face, means for causing the tiles to travelalongside said parting strip, and means for fettling the tiles, thesloping or inclined face of the parting strip preventing chipping of theupper part of the tile.

13. I11 a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combinationwith a carrier belt, of a parting strip having an inclined or slopingface, alinement belts adapted to engage the edges of the tile to hold itin alinement as it is carried along by the carrier belt, one of saidalinement belts running close alongside the sloping face of the partingstrip, and means for fettling the tiles when held by the alinementbelts, said sloping face of the parting strip preventing chipping of theupper part of the tile.

14. In a machine for fettling floor and wall tiles, the combination withcarrier belts running alongside each other and adapted for advancing twostreams of tiles, of a parting strip located adjacent the edges of thesaid belts and having inclined or sloping faces, pairs of alinementbelts adapted to engage the edges of the tiles carried by the carrierbelts, the innermost alinement belts running adjacent the parting strip,and means for fettling the tiles while alined by the alinement belts andduring advancement by the carrier belts.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures.

hlriLGOLM A. SCIDVEIKER. JAMES It. WESTBROOK.

